2P1-B09 A Development of Medical Device for Upper Limb Rehabilitation after Stroke : Development of "PLEMO-Y" at the "Program to support collaboration between hospitals and businesses for development and improvement of medical equipment and devices to solve unmet medical needs"(Welfare Robotics and Mechatronics(3))

Abstract

Rehabilitation for upper limbs is important for people with motor disorders caused by brain stroke and so on. In recent years, the need for rehabilitation support systems is increasing that use force display systems. When using a force display system, it is most important to ensure safety mechanically in order to prevent hurting patients. Conventional rehabilitation systems using force display systems are active systems with actuators, and these systems may become dangerous when going out of control. On the other hand, passive force display systems with only passive elements such as brakes are thought to be an effective method for assuring inherent safety. Furusho et al. have been developing force display systems that use brakes: "PLEMO Series." In this paper, we introduce a new device, "PLEMO-Y" developed toward a practical use with support from the project of Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in 2011.